Trip, Trap: Three Goats Cross the Bridge

Using the Norwegian folktale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, children cross a bench bridge in three different ways and finish with a small jump. It builds balance, step control and courage in front of a grumpy character.

How to play

1. The teacher tells the Norwegian folktale: three billy goats, small, medium and big, cross a bridge where a grumpy troll lives underneath. The bridge is the bench with mats on each side; underneath is the troll (the teacher under a cloth) (2 min).
2. First we're all the small goat: cross with light little steps saying “trip, trap, trip, trap.” The troll asks “Who's that crossing my bridge?” and we answer “The little billy goat!” (3 min).
3. Then the medium goat: cross with normal steps and in new ways (sideways, arms out wide) (3 min).
4. And the big goat: strong steps, arms like horns. At the end, jump onto the mat with feet together, and the startled troll rolls away across the floor (4 min).
5. The three goats reach the meadow: we munch grass on all fours and lie down to rest (2 min).

Rules

• We go on the bridge one at a time.
• If I step off, I get back on where I was.
• The troll only asks questions: he doesn't grab anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a tape bridge on the floor to cross in a wheelchair; the child can also be the troll who asks.
• Visual impairment: cross holding an adult's hand while the troll's voice tells them where the bridge ends.
• Autism or fearful children: the troll can be a puppet, and the child chooses whether to cross or watch first.

Learning goals

• Balance on a narrow surface.
• Change steps to match different characters.
• Face a slightly scary situation with confidence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Low benches: 2
• Mats: 4
• Cloth or sheet: 1

Teacher tip

The adult who isn't the troll must always stand next to the bench. Make the troll funnier than scary: the goal is for them to dare to cross.

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